Course

Unit 1

Neuroanatomy and Neural Functioning

Introduction to advanced neuroanatomy. Central and peripheral nervous system structures. Functional mapping of brain regions. Neural pathways and synaptic transmission. Integration of sensory and motor systems. Use 3D brain atlas apps to explore brain structures and pathways interactively. Map neural circuits using Miro/Jamboard.

Unit 2

Learning, Memory, and Neural Plasticity

Neuroanatomy and functioning of memory systems. Hippocampus and memory consolidation. Molecular biology of learning: synaptic plasticity, LTP, and LTD. Neurogenesis and brain plasticity across the lifespan. Effects of experience and environment on brain development. Neurosis and Brain Explorer simulations for LTP/LTD, neurogenesis, and memory consolidation processes.

Unit 3

Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

Functional neuroanatomy of sleep. Sleep stages and associated brain activity. Neural regulation of sleep-wake cycles. Role of neurotransmitters and hormones in sleep. Impact of sleep disorders on behaviour and cognition. Sleep tracking apps (Fitbit, Sleep Cycle) to monitor patterns. Visualisation of circadian rhythms using Excel or Canva.

Unit 4

Emotion and Motivation

Limbic system and the neural basis of emotions. Amygdala, hypothalamus, and emotion regulation. Neural substrates of motivation and reward pathways. Neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in emotional responses. Interaction between emotion, cognition, and behaviour. Interactive simulations for emotion regulation pathways. Case study mapping using digital whiteboards (Jamboard).

Unit 5

Biological Basis of Psychiatric Disorders

TPN and DMN. Neurobiological components of mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder). Schizophrenia and neurochemical imbalances. Anxiety and stress-related disorders: HPA axis and brain circuits. Genetic and epigenetic influences on mental health. Psychopharmacology and biological treatment strategies. Explore publicly available datasets (e.g., OpenNeuro) for beginner-level analysis in SPSS or Jamovi.

Text Books / References

Textbooks

1. Carlson, N. R. (2013). Foundations of behavioural neuroscience (9th ed.). Pearson.
2. Kalat, J. W. (2019). Biological psychology (13th ed.). Cengage Learning.
3. Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., Jessell, T. M., Siegelbaum, S. A., & Hudspeth, A. J. (2013). Principles of neural science (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
4. Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., & Paradiso, M. A. (2020). Neuroscience: Exploring the brain (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
5. Garrett, B. (2014). Brain & behaviour: An introduction to biological psychology (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Suggested Readings

1. Pinel, J. P. J., & Barnes, S. J. (2017). Biopsychology (10th ed.). Pearson.
2. Rosenzweig, M. R., Breedlove, S. M., & Watson, N. V. (2005). Biological psychology: An introduction to behavioural, cognitive, and clinical neuroscience (4th ed.). Sinauer Associates.
3. Wickens, A. P. (2015). Foundations of biopsychology (2nd ed.). Pearson.

Advanced Biological Psychology examines the intricate interactions between the nervous system and human behaviour. This course offers students a comprehensive understanding of neuroanatomy, molecular biology, and the neurophysiological mechanisms that underpin memory, learning, emotion, motivation, sleep, and psychiatric disorders. Students will explore how the brain changes throughout the lifespan and how disruptions in neural functioning can lead to psychological and behavioural issues. Through rigorous theoretical foundations, digital tools, and current research, learners will gain a scientific understanding of the biological bases of behaviour and mental processes.

Course Objectives

• To introduce the detailed structure and function of the human nervous system and its role in behaviour.
• To understand the neuroanatomical and molecular basis of learning and memory.
• To explore the plasticity and developmental changes of the nervous system throughout the lifespan.
• To examine the neural mechanisms underlying sleep, emotion, and motivation.
• To analyse the biological correlates and neurochemical factors involved in psychiatric disorders.
• To use beginner-level digital tools to visualise, simulate, and analyse neurobiological processes.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Demonstrate advanced understanding of neuroanatomical structures and their functional significance.
• CO2: Analyse the molecular and neurobiological processes involved in learning and memory.
• CO3: Explain the concept of neural plasticity and its role in developmental changes across the lifespan.
• CO4: Evaluate the biological basis of emotions, motivation, and sleep regulation.
• CO5: Examine the biological components and neurochemical mechanisms underlying psychiatric conditions.

CO-PO Mapping